Arsenal join Newcastle in race for Dijon ace Benjamin Corgne

Arsenal look set to rival Newcastle United in the race for Dijon midfielder Benjamin Corgne, after the Gunners were passed more positive reports on the 24-year-old, following checks from scout Gilles Grimandi over the weekend.

Benjamin Corgne has enjoyed a swift rise from amateur football

A versatile box-to-box midfielder, Corgne is rated as a rising star in France, and has been watched by both Arsenal and Newcastle on a handful of occasions in the last 12 months, with the Premier League duo impressed with what they’ve seen.

Newcastle have since stepped up their presence at Dijon matches since the turn of the year, when they had a £3 million bid rejected, and are now said to be ready to get closer to the Ligue One outfits asking price of £5 million.

However, Arsenal are also weighing up their options, and had French scout Grimandi watch Corgne in action against table topping Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, where the sought-after midfield ace turned in one of his best performances of the season, despite Dijon eventually losing 2-1.

It’s the third time Grimandi has personally watched Corgne, and the third time he has sent back a positive report, having now been convinced the 24-year-old can handle the pressure of big matches.

That ability to handle top-flight action is something that has previously been questioned, as he only turned professional 18 months ago after previously playing for amateur club Monts d’Or Azergues, at the fifth level of French football.

Yet Corgne has enjoyed a seamless transition to life at Dijon, scoring eight goals in 22 matches this season in an attacking midfield berth, having previously shown his tough tackling, combative side operating in a holding role.

It’s not clear which position the Frenchman will make his own, but it is likely to be away from the Stade Gaston Gerard, with Dijon already admitting they expect Corgne to leave this summer.

As well as interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, Lyon and Marseille are also being tentatively linked, but are yet to show their hands.